Support for stand-up comedian Kiku Sharda of “Comedy Nights With Kapil” fame is pouring in on social media. Kiku Sharda aka ‘Palak’ was arrested today in Mumbai for imitating Dera Sacha Sauda chief Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and was sent to 14-day judicial remand.

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The TV artist has been booked under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code (outraging religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious belief) for allegedly hurting sentiments of followers of self-styled spiritual guru Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim. Fellow comedian Kapil Sharma has thrown his weight behind Kiku Sharda and requested the Dera chief to support Sharda.

The contentious episode was aired around December end. The comedian apologised after his arrest. “If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I fold my hands and apologize to everyone,” NDTV quoted him saying. However, followers of Baba Ram Rahim seemed unmoved.

Among celebrities who tweeted in support of the comedian are Farah Khan, Vishal Dadlani, Rahul Mahajan, Sophie Choudry, Raghu Ram and Vir Das.

One Facebook user recalled how Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim had dressed up like resembling the tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh and was pardoned by Akal Takht. Another Facebook user questioned if we were living in a banana republic.